I came across this quote recently and it reminded me of something that is very important to me … and I think it keeps me sane (better ask Helen if it worked!)

It was a quote attributed to Joe Konrath and it was: “If you can quit, quit. If you can’t quit, stop complaining—this is what you chose.”

I live the life that I have chosen. It is the result of all my choices over many years. If I did not like it I have unlimited chances to choose something different. Everyone is the same. You always have a choice even when you think that you do not.

Now it may be that you are too set in your ways, or too scared to change. Better the devil you know! But that is your choice.

Today, I have chosen to hitch up the caravan and head into deepest Englandshire (It’s alright, I made sure to take my passport) to a music festival. Helen chose not to go but will be working. Well, somebody has to do it.  I chose to go on my own.  When I get back Helen is heading south to her grandson’s birthday and then on to a music concert. I will be working, but not all the time. Then in September we head off together for my son’s wedding in Greece.

It’s what we choose to do. Even when we are on different trajectories we speak every day. We could do things differently if we chose. But this is our choice. Nobody else has to approve it if that is what we choose.

So, do you believe me that you have choices. I suspect most of you will not because you have financial and other commitments. But, that is the life you have chosen.

I was standing outside our house one evening recently. I could hear the swallows above me and when I looked up I could see them darting across the near blue sky. At that moment I felt that I did not want to live anywhere else. But if I wanted a warmer climate I might decide to give all that up, but I don’t. I was brought up in London. I have chosen to live the last two thirds of my life in Scotland. This is the home I have chosen. I don’t think Helen would want to move to Englandshire, so I think I am safe. But, what if she did? Then I would have to make a choice.

Helen is a very logical and methodical person. After all these years some (not much!) seems to have rubbed off on me. Well, considering how long we have been together, that is not surprising I suppose.

I have always written out my agenda for any meeting. It forces me to do my homework before meeting clients, contacts and other professionals. Long gone are the days when I would be working on something and just stop and immediately go into another meeting unprepared. I saw the error of my ways many years ago. Anyway, So, I now make lists, but I am using the technology available and have an App for making them. Its great. I have list for regular shopping, special occasion shopping, and now preparing the caravan (and me) for travel and one for groceries for the caravan while I am away.

Well, I suppose it had to happen sometime.

I once read that if you live together long enough you grow to look like each other. I can see some logic in that  in as much as you share the same environment and behaviours for so long. The article had pictures of couples o prove the point. But, on the whole I don’t think that I particularly agree. It is one thing to adopt similar behaviours but not growing to look alike.

Anyway, time to hit the road. Off on another little adventure! I hope the natives are friendly.